Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in many plants. It looks similar to table sugar, is roughly as sweet, but with fewer calories, and an extremely low glycemic index. It seems to have somewhat of an anti-cavity action and is used in many sugar-free gums.  (You've probably already seen or tried it in chewing gum.)

At high doses, xylitol can have a laxative effect, so test it out a little at a time! Be careful to use organic xylitol - originally derived from birch trees, most commercial xylitol today comes from corn.

And don't share with your dogs! Xylitol can be life-threatening to our canine friends!